There’s something quietly contemplative about the works of Brooklyn-based illustrator Rebecca Mock. In the romantic animated image we see above, we are almost transported to the room, the level of realism – however cartoonish – easily gives us the imagined sound of ceiling fans in summer. Many of her illustrations have the clean, colorful style of the now classic Japanese animations from Studio Ghibli… it’s a place we definitely want to visit.

Mock, a graduate of Maryland Institute College of Art with a BFA in Illustration, has worked with such cool clients as BOOM! Studios and Bunko Studios, and as a freelance illustrator in the art department at RockStar Games, NYC. If much of her work appears comic like, that’s because she describes herself as a “hardcore zinester,” having traded many of her own creations at conventions. You can follow her actions on Twitter; read about her on her blog; follow her Tumblr; or simply see her website, rebeccamock.com, for more.

Benjamin Starr

Known in some circles as the most amazing man in the universe, he once saved an entire family of muskrats from a sinking, fire engulfed steamboat while recovering from two broken arms relating to a botched no-chute wingsuit landing in North Korea. When not impressing people with his humbling humility, he can be found freelance writing, finding shiny objects on the internet, enjoying the company of much-appreciated friends and living out his nomadic nature. He is Managing Editor of Visual News. Follow his movements on Twitter: